Apparatus for forming and shaping corsets



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Shee15; 1.,

I J. AQHOUSE. APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SHAPING GORSETS. No. 251,884. Patented Jan 3, 1882.

WITNESSES INVENTOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

J. A; HOUSE. APPARATUS FOR FORMING 'XND SHAPING UURSETS, No. 251,884.

' Patented Jan; 3,18 82.

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UNITED STATES TENT.....-.O;rr1cE.

JAMES'ALFORD HOUSE, OF BRIDGEPORT, OOhlNEOTIOUT.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SHAPING CORSETS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No, 251,884, dated January 3, 1882, Application filed November 22, 1881. (No model.)

made for giving the desired set or shape to corsets by means of forms over or upon which each corset is stretched in halves, the front zat'on of mechanism,and in certain combina and the back orthe two sides of a corset being in turn shaped upon suitable forms, which are varied in size and outline as occasion may require.

My improvements consist in a novel organitions of devices for elasping the edges of the corset-sections and drawing them upon the forms, as will hereinafter be designated by the claims, after first fully describing the apparatus by the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a front elevation, with half of a corset represented by dotted lines as clamped upon the former to be stretched; Fig. 2 is a side elevation. Fig. 3 is a plan view, representing a form and the two sets of clasps for clamping the edges of the corset-half. Fig. 4. is aviewin perspective of a pair of the clamps.

The apparatus illustrated in this instance is designed for forming corsets of the kind which are made in front and back sections, which, after being formed, are stitched together down the sides; but by obvious alterations the forms maybe adapted to the formingot' corsets which are made in side sections, and the corsets may be of any of the ordinary styles, open in front and provided with the usual securing devices, or opening only at the back. When made'in front and back pieces the back section is laced preparatory to adjustment upon the form, and the front half, if made to open, is secured at the opening preparatory to placing it upon the apparatus, which will now be described.

A suitable frame or stand, A, supports posts B, upon the upper ends of which is firmly'but removably secured a form, C. Any desired number of interchangeable'forms are provided to enable the different parts of corsets of varying sizes and shapes to be operated upon. The forms are by preference made hollow and connected with a steam-pipe provided with a cock, by which steam may be introduced to the form to dry and set the corsetsections after being dampened and properly stretched.

A foot-treadle, D, (a suitable hand-lever being employed, if deemed preferable,) connect-s by a link-rod,E,0r other suitable flexible connection with the uniting-rod or cross-bar e of a pair of evener-bars, F E, which are pivoted at their opposite ends to down-hangers or lugs f j, provided in pairs upon two verticallysliding perforated bars or 'carrierframes, G G. These vertically-moving carrier-frames have oscillating corset-holder arms H, four in number, pivoted to them. These arms H are arranged intwo sets or pairs, one pair being jointed to each carrier-frame. Theholder-arms are independently pivoted attheir lower ends to the carrier-frames, so asto vibrate vertically, being suitably adjusted in the perforations of the frames according to the shape of the former and size of the corset. Shoulders hon the arms 11 limit their downward movement in rocking upon their pivots.

Two suitable sectional clasps, I I, one for each margin or edge of a corset-halt, are provided, and each of these two part clamps is adapted, by means of perforated lugstt', to be removably fastened near its opposite ends, in

an obvious way, to the upper ends of the sets of holders H H. The clasps I I may be varied in construction, to adapt them to hold the corset-sections firmly, either by clamping the springs or bones thereof or by engagement with the eyelets, 850., of the corsets. These clamps are properly curved, as clearly represented in Figs. 3 and 4. w

Arms J J, secured to the upright B, are provided with rollers bb,around which pass chains or cords K K, having weights 7c 70 attached to their lower ends, and connected at their upper ends, respectively, with the respective carrier- .95

frames G G. When the treadleis freed the weights elevate the carrier-frames and their attachments.

The treadle may beheld in its depressed condition by any suitable device-such, for instance, as the bracket L, beneath which the treadle may be adjusted to hold it.

In operation, the corset-section having been moistened and clamped, as indicated in Fig. 1, and the treadle depressed, the corset is forced to conform to the form; and when properly stretched steam is admitted to the form to quickly dry the corset. By means of the eveners the two parts or bars of the carrier-frame are free to move independently of each other, thus enabling the ends of a corset to be made of different sizes, a small bust and large hip,

or vice versa, the only change in the'apparatus being to vary the size or shape of the form.

I am aware that various devices have been provided and used prior to my invention for forming corsets, and do not therefore broadly claim apparatus i" or shapingcorsets by stretching and heating upon forms.

I claim as of my own invention 1. The combination of the slidingcarrierframes, the eveners pivoted to said frames, the holder-arms, the corsetclamps, and-the form,

substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.

2. The combination of the vertically-sliding carrier-frames, the eveners independently pivoted thereto, the pivoted corset holders, the corset-clamp s,the form, and means for depressing the eveners, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.

3. The combination of the corsetholders, the verticallyslidin g independentlyadjustable carrier-frames to which said holders are pivoted, the eveners, the treadle, and the link connecting the eveners and treadle, these members being and operating substantially as hereinbefore set forth, to form the corsets of varying sizes at the hips and busts,'as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

JAMES Witnesses:

HENRY F. GOODWIN, C. H. DIMOND.

ALFORD HOUSE 

